Event Details

Join us on February 26, 2013 as we network with individuals who would like to learn more about Bay Area nonprofit organizations, individuals interested in forming a nonprofit of their own, and individuals already actively involved within the nonprofit sector. We welcome Lauren Ornelas of Food Empowerment Project and Michael Closson of Acterra who will discuss running a nonprofit organization, the unique challenges they have faced, strategies that have worked for them, selecting board members and volunteers, and other essential advice regarding operating a nonprofit organization.

Are you thinking about launching your own nonprofit organization that has an everlasting impact? Shirley Sheene Day, President/Attorney of Paint My Charity will discuss the essential steps in forming a nonprofit organization and obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS.

Food Empowerment Project has been rated as one of the Top-Rated Nonprofits in 2012 by Great Nonprofits. Food Empowerment Project seeks to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices. Food Empowerment Project encourages healthy food choices that reflect a more compassionate society by spotlighting the abuse of animals on farms, the depletion of natural resources, unfair working conditions for produce workers, and the unavailability of healthy foods in low-income areas.

Lauren Orenlas is the Food Empowerment Project's founder and serves as the group's volunteer executive director. She is also the former executive director of Viva!USA, a national nonprofit vegan advocacy organization. Lauren has been active in the animal rights movement for over 20 years. After spending four years as National Campaign Coordinator for In Defense of Animals, Lauren was asked by Viva!UK to start and run Viva!USA in 1999. In cooperation with activists across the country, she worked and achieved corporate changes within Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, and Pier 1 Imports, among others. She currently serves as Campaign Director with the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition.

Acterra has been rated as one of the Top-Rated Nonprofits in 2012 by Great Nonprofits. Acterra is an environmental nonprofit organization serving the Silicon Valley. Acterra provides people with tangible, hands-on activities they can do to improve the environment.

Michael joined Acterra in May of 2003 as the Executive Director. Prior to Acterra his work history included serving as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Stanford University (1972-1976); Co-Director of New Ways to Work in Palo Alto, CA (1976-1982); Executive Director of the Center for Economic Conversion in Mountain View, CA (1983-1998); Programs Director for the Earth Day Network in Seattle, WA (1998-2000); and Executive Director of Biodiversity Northwest in Seattle, WA (2000-2003). His work has featured a long-term commitment to promoting environmental conservation, sustainable development and ecological economics. At Acterra, in addition to his various administrative responsibilities, he places special emphasis on environmental programs that provide hands-on learning opportunities and inspire people to take action for positive change in their communities and beyond. Michael has a B.A. from Middlebury College and an M.A. and Ph.D. (Sociology) from Cornell University. In his free time, Michael particularly enjoys hiking and backpacking in the beautiful California wilderness.

Hosted By:

Shirley Sheene Day, Attorney/President of Paint My Charity, Inc.

Paint My Charity www.paintmycharity.com provides nonprofit incorporation and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt services on behalf of nonprofit organizations nationwide. The completion of the 501(c)(3) application process may be a daunting, tedious task. Our primary goal is to take the weight off of your shoulders and ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently. With our experienced legal background and passion for assisting nonprofit organizations, we meticulously draft all documents to ensure that each charity is illustrated individually. Paint My Charity’s primary mission is to ensure that each nonprofit organization is satisfied with our personalized services and we dedicate ourselves to maintaining our 100% approval rate. Paint My Charity has helped over 1,000 nonprofit organizations throughout the United States successfully obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS.

Shirley Sheene Day is a California licensed Attorney and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. Shirley possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications Minor from the University of Southern California. Shirley founded Paint My Charity in 2006 and has been assisting nonprofit organizations nationwide with incorporating and successfully obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.